Chapter 86: Backed into a corner

No! My heart raced furiously in my chest as I saw Daniel's tall figure merge with the shadows, his silhouette vanishing from view. Suddenly, my legs felt weak, and I struggled to bear my weight.

Just moments away from hitting the ground, I was caught off guard when a strong hand grasped my waist, steadying me just in time.

Oh my God!

Jess, are you okay? Christine's worried voice pulled me back to reality.

I—um—um…

I tried to speak, but the words came out mumbled. The weight of expectations and unspoken rivalry pressed down on my shoulders, and my chest tightened with an invisible vise of dread.

In that instant, I felt diminutive and exposed, like a delicate flower battling a fierce storm, striving to remain upright against the whirlwind of emotions swirling within me. My only comfort came from a glimmer of resolve deep inside, softly assuring me that I could endure this, that I was mightier than the fear seeking to consume me.

Breath,

I heard Christine softly say as she intertwined her fingers with mine, offering comfort. She understood that the events unfolding over the last few days were far beyond my control, particularly with the sudden interest from both the Crown Prince and Princess Rose.

I could feel her empathy through the small gesture, yet I noticed the helpless look in her eyes. I knew she had good intentions, but a part of me still hesitated.

After all, I had just learned that she was an undercover agent working for the crown prince, and the most troubling part was that I had considered her a friend, unaware she had been assigned to monitor me. Regardless of her attempts to dismantle that barrier, my subconscious remains resistant.

Overwhelmed by my emotions, I could no longer contain myself and broke down in tears. Christine enveloped me in a warm embrace, gently patting my shoulders.

Christine’s heart ached for Jess; she wished she could provide her with comfort and hope—that eventually, everything would work out and that Brock's obsession would fade away.

But Christine knew that there was no escape from Brock Zaza. Jess was the first woman to capture his interest, evident by his actions over the past few months and the number of shadow guards surrounding her.

It frightened her that Brock would go to such lengths to make Jess Smith his lawfully wedded wife, despite the many challenges. She could only hope that Jess would forgive her for not being honest from the beginning. Christine understood that Jess desired a simple life, steering clear of the complexities of politics and royalty.

Christine was all too aware of Brock's intentions; he had effectively declared Jess as the Crown Princess and future Queen of Zaza. There was no way to avoid this reality; assisting Jess in adapting to her new role alongside him would be better for both of them.

Flashback

Your Highness, allow me to speak just this once.

Speak! He commanded, his gaze fixed on the documents before him.

Your Highness, the role of crown princess is a court matter, as it represents the second-highest position in the realm after the throne. I worry that the elders of Zaza may not accept Jess Smith as the crown princess; they may instead demand that she serve as your side consort. Knowing Jess, I can confidently assert that she will fiercely oppose any efforts to become anyone's mistress, even if that person is the prince.

The crown prince lifted his head and narrowed his piercing gaze at Christine, who shrank under his intense look but held her ground as he had taught her. Christine gasped as he rose from his seat and took slow steps toward her.

I see you have taken quite a liking to the lady, he drawled, his deep voice resonating with lazy exasperation. A smile curled on his lips as his piercing eyes bore into her forehead.

I don’t intend to overstep, Your Highness; my only concern is your well-being. I am only of the opinion that a relationship based on force cannot last.

She kowtowed to reaffirm her loyalty to the crown prince.

His head tilted slightly, and a smile spread across his face, making her uneasy.

It is not your place to worry about the crown princess or the elders of Zaza. You have one task—gain Jess’s trust and help her prepare for the role of my wife. If I catch you planting any other ideas in her mind, I cannot promise safety for you and your mother in this kingdom.

His message was unmistakable—an unsettling caution regarding the consequences if Jess were to decline his offer. It was a warning she couldn't afford to overlook.

I believed that moving to the capital would provide me with a safe haven from the perilous storms of my village life. Little did I know, I would find myself caught in an even more complex trap, ensnared in the intricacies of royalty,” Jess’s voice pulled Christine back to the present moment.

Why don’t I take you back to your room to rest? I’ll inform the crown prince that you are unwell and cannot go to the city center.

No!

I exclaimed, startling Christine.

Her eyes lingered on my frail form leaning against her for support. I could see her pupils dilate and her brows furrow in confusion at my outburst.

I’m fine,” I said, trying to steady my breath.

I reassured Christine, whose eyes still reflected doubt.

Um—uh, I hesitated, trying to gather my thoughts. I took a deep breath to steady my racing heart before coming up with the first excuse that popped into my head.

We cannot afford to keep the crown prince waiting. Although I may feel a bit rattled by the earlier events, I assure you, I will be alright.

This was not the time to withdraw into my shell. I needed to act swiftly and marry James to restore order. The crown prince had assured me that I could meet with James before the Opening Ceremony. Now was the moment to remind him of that promise.